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Hobart to host Australian All Schools
Athletics Tasmania, Athletics Australia and the University of Tasmania are delighted to announce that the 2009 UTAS Australian All Schools and Youth Championships will be hosted at the Domain Athletics Centre in Hobart.
The Championships will run from Friday December 4 to Monday December 7, 2009, with more than 1500 athletes and 270 officials expected to be involved in the largest track and field event on the Australian calendar.
President of Athletics Tasmania, Brian Roe, explained the benefits of Tasmania hosting the event.
“In terms of competitor numbers this will be the largest track and field competition ever to be held in Tasmania, both in terms of numbers and in the complexity of its organisation,” Roe said.
"Given the meet runs over four days the impact on the Tasmanian economy will be substantial, with some 4000 people expected to travel to the state's capital."
Roe is also anticipating some terrific competition at the event.
“This is the premier competition for athletes of this age in the country and Tasmania’s finest now have 205 days to prepare themselves and make the most of the home ground advantage.”
In a significant coup for Australian athletics, the University of Tasmania has partnered with Athletics Tasmania and Athletics Australia to become the naming rights sponsor of the championships.
University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew said he was very proud to be involved in bringing the national event to Tasmania and looking forward to showcasing the university and the state to young people from all around Australia.
"The synergy between young people that excel in the sporting arena and in academic pursuits is well known and it is certainly a strong element of student life that we promote at UTAS," he said.
"This national event will be an exciting opportunity for us to help host young, active Australians in Tasmania."
Athletics Australia CEO Danny Corcoran also acknowledged the importance of the event.
“We are really pleased to be able to take our All Schools and Youth Championships to Tasmania and, with the support of the University of Tasmania, expect it to be a great event.
"Under-age events like this one are important to the development of our up-and-coming athletes and it is fantastic that the University of Tasmania is supporting Athletics Australia, Athletics Tasmania and youth athletes across the country.”
Each Australian state and territory will be represented at the championships, with some south-east Asian and Oceania nations also considering sending athletes.
The Australian All Schools were last held in Tasmania in 2002 but since combining with the Youth Championships have grown considerably in size.
With thanks to Richard Welsh - AT
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